Latest racing news
McDonald out for flying finish to the year in Sydney and Hong Kong
Chris Roots James McDonald has a big week in front of him in Hong Kong and Sydney.
Ford gunning to be back in driving seat for Town
![Lucky escape: Jay Ford was one of a host of jockeys to escape serious injury following falls in the Mudgee Cup.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/2/s/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gli746.png/1449554231738.jpg)
Adam Pengilly 4:57 PM Jay Ford was lucky to walk away from the horrifying Mudgee Cup fall. Now he has set his sights on returning for and winning one of Australia's richest races in a month.
RV accuse O'Brien of lying seven times to stewards
![Mark Kavanagh, left, and Danny O'Brien.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/b/f/2/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glh9mu.png/1449482436634.jpg)
Patrick Bartley 9:15 PM Senior legal counsel for Racing Victoria Jeff Gleeson QC on Monday accused trainer Danny O'Brien of lying on at least seven occasions to stewards.
Criminals in the gun as racing watchdog muscles up
![Organised criminals preying on the racing industry are in the gun](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/s/j/v/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glh54t.png/1449454316829.jpg)
Nino Bucci 12:00 AM The Victorian racing watchdog will partner an international integrity organisation in a bid to stamp out the threat of organised crime amid ongoing fears about doping and race fixing.
Asclepius may head for coast
![Len Hodgson thinks Asclepius might target the coastal cups after winning the Cooma Cup.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/p/w/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgnc6.png/1449447751595.jpg)
David Polkinghorne Len Hodgson-trained horse could target the coastal cups after winning the Cooma Cup on Saturday.
Independent national racing commission needed for sport to thrive
![Chris Roots dinkus Dinkus](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/t/m/o/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgpno.png/1449403182703.jpg)
Chris Roots Racing in Australia needs to follow the example of other major sports and move towards an independent national commission to make sure the sport thrives into the future.
Trainer Gerald Ryan could set up Melbourne stable
![On the trot: Trainer Gerald Ryan considering forming a Melbourne satellite stable.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/w/z/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgmqh.png/1449392289430.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Arguably one of Australia's finest racehorse trainers is considering turning the clock back 20 years to form a Melbourne team.
Kody Nestor to undergo surgery after horrific fall in the Mudgee Gold Cup
![Aftermath: The horrific five-horse fall which marred the Mudgee Cup on Friday.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/3/6/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgmjv.png/1449221370918.jpg)
Ben Walker DUBBO jockey Kody Nestor will undergo surgery this week on shoulder injuries suffered in Friday's horrific fall in the Mudgee Gold Cup (1600m).
Murray starts new chemo treatment ahead of Rafha's Choice's big day
![Hoping to be there: Trainer Bede Murray is hoping conacer treatment won't stop him watching Rafha's Choice on Saturday.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/l/3/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgl1n.png/1449372617101.jpg)
Chris Roots Bede Murray will move to the next phase of his cancer treatment this week but is determine it won't keep him from Randwick on Saturday to see unbeaten Rafha's Choice chase the big bucks in the Inglis Nursey.
Wild Rain warming up for Magic Millions run
![In form: Stephen Baster rides Wild Rain to victory.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/f/5/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgf63.png/1449307497649.jpg)
Andrew Garvey They both have the spectre of cobalt inquiries hanging over their heads but Peter Moody and Mark Kavanagh are taking aim at the $10 million Magic Millions raceday at the Gold Coast in January after success at Sandown on Saturday.
Beriman lands double at Sandown
![First leg of a double: Jackie Beriman rides Electric Fusion to victory at Sandown.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/d/2/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgd3l.png/1449307234274.jpg)
Andrew Garvey Time is her enemy but Jackie Beriman is still hopeful she can outride her claim before her completes her apprenticeship on January 2.
Devendra the Inter Dominion surprise packet
![Big draw: The Inter Dominion Grand Final Harness race at Menangle Park in 2013.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/i/5/q/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glga0e.png/1449306145335.jpg)
Chris Roots Days out from the Inter Dominion in Perth Devendra was not even in the series, heading into next Sunday's final, he is the $4.50 second favourite after a remarkable win in the final heat.
Godolphin farewell Ward with winning treble
![Victor: James McDonald won on Medcaut at Randwick on Saturday.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/c/r/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgcp1.png/1449376361806.jpg)
Chris Roots Godolphin farewelled assistant trainer Tom Ward in style with a winning treble at Randwick on Saturday producing a Golden Slipper contender and a couple of others that returned to form.
Bigger country clubs in pole position
![150815. Sydney races. Jockey Hugh Bowman rides Start Wondering to win race 7, The Clubs NSW Handicap, during Sydney racing at Rosehill Gardens racecourse on Saturday, August 15th, 2015
Photos by bradleyphotos.com.au](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/z/v/9/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glg6qg.png/1449305221706.jpg)
Adam Pengilly The split up of country racing's multi-million bonanza thanks to the state's recently announced tax parity is likely to be concentrated on the bush's bigger clubs, according to Racing NSW Country chairman Bob Pavitt.
'Hugh Hefner of racing' in contention
![James McDonald](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/9/s/5/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glg8vg.png/1449305133455.jpg)
Adam Pengilly Godolphin's Astern, dubbed the "Hugh Hefner of racing", rocketed into Golden Slipper calculations at the same time his closest rival Niccolance made a beeline for the exit during a drama-charged opener at Randwick on Saturday.
New whip rule starts without any fuss
![New rules: chief steward Ray Murrihy was still keeping a close eye on jockeys’ use of the whip.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/x/7/b/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glg9g8.png/1449302988915.jpg)
Adam Pengilly The first week of the new whip rules have past without much fuss, but chief steward Ray Murrihy was still keeping a close eye on jockeys use of the persuader.
McDonald on the prowl before Hong Kong
![05122015. Sydney Races. Jockey James McDonald rides Felines to win race 7, The Swim Between The Flags Handicap, during Sydney racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse. photos:bradleyphotos.com.au](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/c/l/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgc0v.png/1449313823906.jpg)
Adam Pengilly Kris Lees and James McDonald may have the Hong Kong Cup at front of mind for differing reasons, but the pair combined to help the jockey to a four-timer at Randwick on Saturday.
Tiny Tim has last laugh with first city runner
![Paul King](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/b/r/v/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glgag3.png/1449295171997.jpg)
Adam Pengilly Nothing like a woman scorned? Tim McIntosh would have been forgiven for thinking so, but the young trainer had the last laugh with a winner at his first city runner.
All five riders conscious after horrific fall in Mudgee Cup
![Lucky escape: Jay Ford was one of a host of jockeys to escape serious injury following falls in the Mudgee Cup.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/2/s/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfxh1.png/1449274510125.jpg)
Adam Pengilly A host of riders have escaped serious injury after a horrific five-horse fall which marred the Mudgee Cup on Friday.
Heated exchange at cobalt hearing
![On the attack: Jeff Gleeson.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/g/2/a/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glg28t.png/1449231533608.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Jeff Gleeson, senior counsel for Racing Victoria, clashed heatedly with trainer Danny O'Brien in the closing stages of day five of the hearing of cobalt charges on Friday.
McDonald looks to Tarquin's class to carry the day
![Impressed: Jockey James McDonald believes Tarquin has developed nicely.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/0/k/c/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfu3h.png/1449210668564.jpg)
Chris Roots Godolphin have found a set weights and penalties for group 1 placed Tarquin to start a summer campaign aimed at raising his rating heading towards the autumn.
How the punt funded the controversial MONA art gallery
![Max Presnell](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/1/7/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfv6i.png/1449235920143.jpg)
Max Presnell The Museum of Old and New Art owner David Walsh figures Zelkjo Ranojavec, Australia's most successful horse player, has been a major contributor to the controversial gallery.
Snippet Of Hope out to follow in Molan's footsteps in Sydney
![Erin Molan and Daniel Hughes with their horse Snippet Of Hope at Nick Olive's stables at Thoroughbred Park..](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/f/d/3/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfcp4.png/1449203195082.jpg)
Kyle Mackey-Laws She's making her mark on Sydney, and now Erin Molan is hoping another Canberra girl can make a big impression in the Big Smoke.
Pfieffer believes it's Loy's choice whether he makes it as a jockey
![Looking ahead: Trainer David Pfieffer and jockey Brodie Loy with Lord Leofric at Warwick Farm on Friday.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/f/k/6/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfeov.png/1449198216834.jpg)
Chris Roots Warwick Farm trainer David Pfieffer has a nice group of horses in his yard but apprentice Brodie Loy could be the next big thing to benefit from time in the stable.
Bart's Magic trick can undo Kingston Town favourite, says Sigley
![Time to shine: Trainer Vaughn Sigley is optimistic about Black Heart Bart's chances on Saturday.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/f/j/k/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfbmk.png/1449197912212.jpg)
Adam Pengilly Vaughn Sigley has heard all the critics who suggest Black Heart Bart won't run out a strong 1800-metres in the Kingstown Town Classic. He's hoping a maiden group 1 might silence a few.
Cleary set sights on Doomben double
![Joe Cleary and Hudson County will target the Volgren Optimus Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/2/f/2/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glfgny.png/1449196176173.jpg)
Mark Oberhardt Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary loves visiting Queensland's Gold Coast but even more so when he has a chance to come away with some big prize money.
Kavanagh irate when swab positive to cobalt: vet
![Trainer Mark Kavanagh.](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/n/q/u/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glexfa.png/1449135767400.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Trainer Mark Kavanagh was "irate" when he learnt that his horse Magicool had returned a positive swab to cobalt, vet Tom Brennan told a racing tribunal on Thursday.
Magic Artist has international record to spoil local party in Perth
![Chris Roots dinkus Dinkus](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/t/m/o/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gler8k.png/1449125807461.jpg)
Chris Roots Not since 2009 have the Western Australians been swept by the raiders in their trio of features – the Winterbottom Stakes, Railway Stakes and Kingston Town Classic – but a German in Magic Artist could finish the job at Ascot on Saturday.
Snubbing of Michelle Payne a disgrace
![Max Presnell](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/1/7/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glek9r.png/1449232074983.jpg)
Max Presnell Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne deserves better treatment.
Pride strikes form and it's set to continue at Randwick
![Joe Pride](/web/20151208073819im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/e/p/h/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glejuh.png/1449120029643.jpg)
Chris Roots There was no panic or need to change things in the Joe Pride stable during his slow start to the season because he had faith that "things always turnaround".